Durock Lupine vs. SP-Star Meteor White
An in-depth look at the Durock Lupine and the SP-Star Meteor White switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the Durock Lupine and the SP-Star Meteor White, both of which are linear switches. The Lupine stands out for its unique two-stage long springs, resulting in a typing experience that offers a consistent weight distribution when pressing down and a more powerful upward movement on the rebound. Additionally, it produces a classic clacky sound profile. On the other hand, the Meteor White is characterized as being gentle and subdued, making it easy to push and providing a soft, pitter-patter sound profile. Both switches fall under the categories of 'Neutral', 'Mild', and 'Polished' in terms of their feel, but the Meteor White is also described as having a 'Thocky' sound. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference and specific needs. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
57g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Two-stage long spring
Spring
Gold plated
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Durock Lupine and the SP-Star Meteor White, there is a clear distinction in the materials used. The Lupine features a polycarbonate top housing, while the Meteor White utilizes a nylon top housing. The polycarbonate top housing of the Lupine creates a sharper and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness, resulting in a more resonant sound. In contrast, the nylon top housing of the Meteor White elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile, as it is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound. Therefore, depending on personal preference and desired sound characteristics, one can choose between the Lupine's crisper sound or the Meteor White's fuller sound.
Moving on to the bottom housing, both switches share the same nylon material. Nylon is known as a classic switch housing material as it enhances the typing experience by eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile. Since both the Lupine and Meteor White incorporate nylon for the bottom housing, the sound produced when bottoming out the keys will have similar characteristics. The relatively softer nylon plastic in both switches absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a dulled and rounder sound. Therefore, individuals choosing between the Lupine and Meteor White can expect a similar typing experience in terms of bottom-out sound and feel.
It's important to note that the top and bottom housings of a switch have distinct roles in determining the overall sound profile. While the bottom housing primarily affects the bottom-out sound and feel, the top housing plays a significant role in the sound when releasing a key. Hence, despite having different housing materials for the top and bottom, both the Lupine and Meteor White will provide users with a satisfactory typing experience. The Lupine's polycarbonate top housing will deliver a sharper, higher-pitched sound when releasing keys, while the Meteor White's nylon top housing will provide a smoother and more rounded sound. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and desired sound characteristics.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Lupine linear switch and the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch, it is important to note that the specific measurements for their actuation forces are unavailable. However, in terms of bottom out force, the Durock Lupine requires 62 grams of pressure while the SP-Star Meteor White only requires 57 grams. This makes the Lupine slightly heavier in terms of bottom out force.
Considering the weight of these switches, some individuals prefer lighter switches as it allows them to type for longer periods of time without fatigue. This is particularly beneficial for those who use their keyboards extensively for work or engage in long gaming sessions. On the other hand, there are users who prefer a stronger push feel for a more substantial typing experience. These individuals may prefer switches with heavier forces as it provides them with greater tactile feedback and a satisfying typing experience.
While the exact actuation force of both switches remains unknown, it can be presumed that they would fall within the overall range of medium actuation forces. Thus, if one is seeking similar results in terms of actuation force, both the Durock Lupine and the SP-Star Meteor White switches may provide a comparable experience. However, it is important to note that the Durock Lupine switch is slightly heavier in terms of bottom out force compared to the SP-Star Meteor White switch, which might be preferred by individuals seeking a more substantial typing experience.
Travel distance
The Durock Lupine linear switch and the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch have different travel distances. The Lupine has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Meteor White has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. In terms of traditional travel distances, 4.0 mm is the most common, while 3.0 mm is considered the most shallow. However, the preference for shorter travel distances has been on the rise, especially among gamers who prioritize faster response times. If you prefer a more responsive feel when pressing down on the keys, the shorter travel distance of 3.7 mm in the Durock Lupine would be a suitable choice. On the other hand, those who prefer a deeper and more substantial feel might opt for the SP-Star Meteor White with its slightly longer 4 mm travel distance. Ultimately, it all comes down to personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock Lupine has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Lupine for $4.25.
The SP-Star Meteor White has an MSRP of $5.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Meteor White for $5.00.
Here at Milktooth, we offer the best prices on switches (on average, 27% lower the competition). In addition, we offer free shipping on orders over $49.00. We also offer free returns and exchanges, so you can shop with guaranteed satisfaction.
That said, while price is an important piece of the puzzle, our opinion is that you should ultimately pick the option that most suits your unique preferences since you’ll be using these switches for years to come. In other words, finding something perfect for you is, in our view, the most important criteria.
Typing experience
When it comes to sound, the Durock Lupine linear switch offers a classic clacky sound profile. This means that when typing on these switches, you can expect a satisfying and pronounced sound that is reminiscent of traditional mechanical keyboards. On the other hand, the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch provides a more subdued sound experience with a gentle and pitter-patter sound profile. This softer sound makes the Meteor White a great option for those who prefer a quieter typing experience. Both switches fall under the category of neutral sound profile, meaning they have a moderate sound profile that is suitable for most purposes.
In terms of feel, both the Lupine and the Meteor White switches offer a mild typing experience. This means that the typing feel of these switches is more gentle compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. The Lupine switch stands out with its two-stage long springs, which provide a consistent weight distribution when pressing down and a more powerful upward movement on the rebound. This adds to the overall typing experience and contributes to a comfortable and satisfying feel. The Meteor White switch, on the other hand, is described as polished, indicating a smooth and refined finish. This results in reduced friction, smooth key travel, and a sleek typing experience. Both switches offer approachable qualities that cater to a wide range of users.
Considering the available information, the Durock Lupine and the SP-Star Meteor White linear switches have distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Lupine switch offers a classic clacky sound profile and a typing experience characterized by the two-stage long springs. On the other hand, the Meteor White switch provides a more subdued sound profile and a polished feel. However, it is important to note that individual preferences may vary, and the sound and feel of these switches can also be influenced by factors such as the choice of keyboard and keycaps. If you are looking for a neutral switch with a moderate sound profile and a mild typing experience, both of these switches can provide similar results.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a linear switch with a medium bottom out force and a unique typing experience, the Durock Lupine switch would be a great choice for you. Its two-stage long springs offer a consistent weight distribution when pressing down and a more powerful upward movement on the rebound. Additionally, the Lupine switch produces a classic clacky sound profile when used, making it a popular option for those who enjoy a neutral or high-pitched sound.
On the other hand, if you prefer a gentler typing experience with a lower bottom out force, the SP-Star Meteor White switch would be a better fit. These switches are easy to push and offer a soft pitter-patter sound profile. The Meteor White switch also falls into the neutral sound category, making it versatile for various purposes. Furthermore, it shares the same mild feel and polished characteristics with the Lupine switch, ensuring a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction.
Ultimately, the choice between the Durock Lupine and SP-Star Meteor White switches depends on your personal preference for typing feel and sound. Both switches deliver a satisfying linear experience, but the Lupine switch stands out with its unique two-stage long springs and classic clacky sound, while the Meteor White switch offers a gentle and soft typing experience with a pitter-patter sound. Consider these factors and make your decision based on what suits your typing style and preferences best.
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